It’s impossible to run out of delightful destinations and stimulating activities during a trip to New York City. But if you find yourself longing for a change of scenery during a visit to The Big Apple, there are lots of thrilling adventures to be had just a short drive outside of the city.

Here is a list of fun detour destinations that can be reached within a three hour drive from NYC.

First off, the great state of Pennsylvania has several cities worthy of a day trip. History buffs will want to visit Valley Forge National Historic Park in King of Prussia. Here you can tread the same ground as George Washington when he led the Continental Army against the British. For the shoppers in the group, the King of Prussia mall is the East Coast’s largest!

Pottsville, PA, is home to Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum where tons of colorful old cars, pinball machines, and vintage gas-station signs reside. Next up, thirsty tourists can stop in and take a tour at Yuengling Brewery, the oldest in the U.S.

If thrill rides are your thing, head over to Six Flags Great Adventure, in Jackson, New Jersey. Besides its insane collection of roller coasters, the theme park is home to Great Adventure’s Safari Off-Road Adventure, where visitors can get an up-close peek at over 1,000 tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, and even giraffes.

The Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, has its seasonal opening May 1. The 49-acre compound was constructed over the course of fifty years by renowned architect Philip Johnson. In addition to the breathtaking Glass House there are 14 other design spectacles, adorned with astonishing sculptures and paintings.

In contrast to NYC’s urban wonders, Saugerties, New York, offers visitors a refreshingly folksy time-out.
Mother Earth’s Storehouse, the famous health-food emporium is here, as is picturesque Seamon Park (5 Malden Ave.) where you can take your granola and green smoothies and chill out for an hour or two of fresh air people-watching!

And if you’re missing the fur babies you left back at home, we have a suggestion we think you’re going to like! The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is five miles south of Saugerties and offers daily tours of the grounds where over 300 rescued farm animals call home! Why not stop in and say hello to Amelia the Pig, or take a selfie with Buddy the Horse?

Plus, as an added bonus, the Sanctuary has its very own on-site B&B. How cool is that?

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